DE102007022283A1 - Rear axle for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A rear axle (1) for a motor vehicle comprises two trailing arms (7) which are each pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a cross member (8) connecting the trailing arms (7) in the vehicle transverse direction and each rigidly coupled to the trailing arm (7) is, and a panhard rod (20) extending substantially in the vehicle transverse direction, which is articulated with one end (21) on a trailing arm (7) or the cross member (8) and with a further end (22) on a body-side pivot point. Furthermore, the rear axle has a substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction extending longitudinal strut (24) which is rigidly connected to a front end portion (26) with the vehicle body and at a free rear end portion (27) the body-side pivot point for the Panhardstab (20) , The rear axle (1) has a space requirement corresponding to a four-link rear axle. As a result, the described rear axle (1) can be installed as an alternative to such on a vehicle, without this would require major modifications to the vehicle body, which would have to be made for conventional twist-beam axles and the like. Compared to a four-link rear axle results in a significantly reduced manufacturing and assembly costs.

Description

The The invention relates to a rear axle for a motor vehicle, comprising two trailing arms, each pivotally connected to a Vehicle body are articulated, a cross member, the trailing arm in the vehicle transverse direction with each other and to the trailing arm each rigidly coupled, and a substantially in Vehicle transverse direction extending Panhard rod, with one end on a trailing arm or the cross member and with hinged to another end to a body-side pivot point is.

On vehicles, the structure of which is designed for a four-link rear axle, for spatial reasons, a conventional torsion beam axle or a rear axle with a Panhard rod according to the EP 0 458 665 B1 Do not install without extensive modifications of the rear carriage. However, four-link rear axles are very complex and therefore expensive.

In front In this background, the invention is based on the object cost-effective rear axle to create, without big Modification effort on the part of the vehicle body in a for can install a four-link rear axle designed vehicle.

These Task is by a rear axle according to claim 1 solved. The rear axle according to the invention includes two trailing arms, each pivoting on one Vehicle body are articulated, a cross member, the Trailing arm in the vehicle transverse direction connects to each other and is rigidly coupled to the trailing arm, and a substantially extending in the vehicle transverse direction Panhard rod, with one end to a trailing arm or the cross member and with another end to a body side Link point is articulated. The inventive Rear axle also includes a substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction extending longitudinal strut, with a front end portion rigidly connected to the vehicle body and to a free rear End section of the body-side pivot point for the Panhardstab formed.

hereby a cheap and lightweight rear axle is created, their space requirements a four-link rear axle corresponds. The inventive Rear axle can be alternatively installed in vehicles whose Design for a four-link rear axle is designed. in this connection are at most very small changes to the rear the vehicle required.

Further, advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the claims specified.

Preferably In addition, a cross brace is provided, located in the extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction, with a first End portion is connected to the vehicle body and with a another free end section with the body-side end of the Panhardstabs and / or coupled to the free end of the longitudinal member is. This results in a stable power consumption both in the vehicle longitudinal direction ensured as well as in the vehicle transverse direction.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the Panhardstab is on an upper side the free rear end portion of the longitudinal strut hinged.

Further The Panhard bar can be attached to a bottom of the free end section be hinged the cross strut.

Prefers is the Panhard rod over a joint with a standing Bearing axle articulated body side. This joint can be between the End portion of the longitudinal strut and the end portion of the crossbar be arranged.

According to one Another advantageous embodiment is a bearing pin of the body side Panhardstabgelenks both on the longitudinal strut and on supported the cross brace.

With regard to the desired installation situation, the body-side articulation point of the Panhard bar is arranged relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction and / or relative to the vehicle vertical direction between opposing wheel carriers fastened to the trailing arms and / or the control arm. Compared to the one in the EP 0 458 665 B1 described Hinterachskonfiguration the body-side pivot point of Panhardstabs is thus much further back.

In This relationship is also advantageous if the cross strut between their end portions with respect to the vehicle vertical direction having downwardly offset central portion.

Corresponding can also be the cross member of the axle body between the trailing arms a center section with a related executed on the vehicle vertical direction down-stepped upper edge become. This allows the vehicle floor in the area between the Rear wheels relatively far below, that is to say, be arranged close to the roadway.

Preferably the cross member has a U-profile with two side cheeks and a connecting web. The sidewalls have in the middle section a reduced height.

Farther can lower the edges of the side cheeks of the cross member be arranged so that they lie in a horizontal plane, when the axle is in an upper end stop position.

According to one Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is respectively a wheel carrier attached to a trailing arm, in each case between a wheel carrier and a trailing arm a bearing mount for a vibration damper is formed. This can be done with low degrees of deformation a two-sided bearing mount for a vibration damper provide.

According to one Another advantageous embodiment is a journal on the Wheel carrier is attached. The attachment is preferably by friction welding. This can be done with little effort set very precise toe and camber values.

preferred First, an axle body from the trailing arms and the cross member including the wheel carriers together. Then you can then aligned the axle journal on the axle body thus formed and attached to the wheel carriers.

following the invention with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing explained in more detail. The drawing shows in:

1 a view of an embodiment of a rear axle according to the invention,

2 another view of the rear axle 1 .

3 a sectional view taken along the line III-III in 2 without representation of the Panhardstabs, and in

4 a detailed view of the area of a wheel carrier before attachment of a journal on this.

That in the 1 to 4 illustrated embodiment shows a rear axle 1 for a passenger vehicle.

The rear axle 1 includes an axle body 2 for supporting two vehicle wheels, not shown. The axle body 2 is hinged about a substantially horizontal axis pivotally mounted on a vehicle structure also not shown. 1 shows only the body-side consoles 3 with the corresponding bearings 4 ,

Furthermore, the axle body 2 in vehicle vertical direction via two coil springs 5 supported on the vehicle body. Instead of the illustrated coil springs 5 Other types of springs can be used. Between the vehicle body and the axle body 2 are two vibration dampers 6 incorporated, which in relation to the forward direction of travel F each slightly behind the wheel centers M on Achskörper 2 are supported.

The axle body 2 includes two trailing arms 7 and a cross member connecting them 8th , Each trailing arm 7 is pivotable with a front end to a console 3 stored while the cross member 8th is rigidly coupled to a rear end portion. The running in the vehicle transverse direction cross member 8th is rigid, but torsionally soft. As 2 shows is the cross member 8th behind the wheel centers M at the trailing arms 7 attached, preferably welded.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cross member 8th a Blechumformteil with a U-shaped profile cross-section, as in 3 shown by two sidewalls 9 and 10 and a connecting web connecting them 11 is formed. The connecting bridge 11 defines at the same time the upper edge of the downwardly open cross member 8th , Is the rear axle 1 in an upper stop position, that is to say in a state of maximum deflection, the U-shaped profile cross-section is in a substantially horizontal position, in which the lower edges 12 and 13 the side cheeks 9 and 10 of the crossbeam 8th lie in a horizontal plane. In normal position, that is, when the vehicle is empty, the underside of the cross member 8th Accordingly, in the forward direction F slightly open.

As 2 further shows, the cross member 8th between the trailing arms 7 a middle section 14 having a relation to the vehicle vertical direction down-stepped upper edge. This is the U-profile in the middle section 14 executed with a reduced profile height. The side cheeks 9 and 19 show in the middle section 14 compared to the end sections 15 a reduced height.

To the cross member 8th are two spring plates 16 welded to the rear, that is opposite to the forward direction F of the cross member 8th stand out and the springs 5 support. The spring plates 16 that stick to the end sections 15 can in each case additionally on a trailing arm 7 be supported and connected to this example by welding to the connection of the cross member 8th at the respective trailing arm 7 stiffen. The trailing arm 7 extend to this to the rear something over the cross member 8th out.

In the area of the connection of the crossbeam 8th at the trailing arms 7 has the axle body 2 furthermore two wheel carriers 17 on. The wheel carriers 17 , which are also formed as Blechumformteile, each on the outside of the trailing arm 7 attached and with the respective trailing arm 7 connected, preferably welded.

At the wheel carriers 17 is each a journal 18 provided, in the embodiment shown here specifically on the wheel 17 is attached. During assembly, the axle body is first 2 from the trailing arms 7 , the crossbeam 8th and the wheel carriers 17 together. Only then are the axle journals 18 attached. These are previously to the axle body 2 aligned. As a result, toe-in and camber values can be set very precisely with little effort. The attachment is preferably by friction welding.

Between one wheel carrier each 17 and a trailing arm 7 is a lying preferably behind the Radmitte M bearing receptacle 19 for a vibration damper 6 educated. This can be done on the side member 7 an upwardly projecting tab are formed, which is provided with an insertion opening for a bearing pin or a fastening bolt and with a corresponding opening on the wheel carrier 17 flees.

To support lateral forces is a Panhard rod 20 between the axle body 2 and the vehicle body provided. The panhard rod 20 extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction and is with one end 21 on the cross member 8th and with another end 22 hinged to a body-side pivot point.

For articulation on the axle body 2 is on the top of the cross member 8th a console 23 provided, which is preferably arranged so that the connection of the Panhardstabs takes place behind the wheel center M. The pivot axis A of the console 23 formed joint extends substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In principle, the console 23 integral with the cross member 8th or a spring plate 16 be formed. In the illustrated embodiment, however, this one or more separate sheet metal elements on the cross member 8th attached or welded to this. However, it is also possible the axle end 21 of the panhard rod 20 to a trailing arm 7 to dock.

The body-side end 22 of the panhard rod 20 is not directly on the vehicle body, but hinged to this particular attached struts. In principle, this is possible via a single strut. In the in the 1 and 2 However, embodiment shown, a longitudinal strut come 24 and a crossbar 25 for use.

The longitudinal strut extending substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction 24 is with a front end section 26 rigidly connected to the vehicle body, while a free rear end portion 27 the body-side link point for the Panhard rod 20 formed. The longitudinal strut 24 is based on the vehicle longitudinal direction approximately at the height of the body-side connection of the axle body 2 attached to the vehicle body and extends under the vehicle floor inside of the immediately adjacent trailing arm 7 to the rear. The panhard rod 20 extends over the longitudinal strut 24 and is preferably at an upper side of the free rear end portion 26 the longitudinal strut 24 hinged. The corresponding joint 28 is in a socket 29 at the end 22 of the panhard rod 20 arranged and has a standing, that is, a substantially extending in the vehicle vertical direction bearing axis B on.

The transverse strut extending essentially in the vehicle transverse direction 25 is with a first end section 30 connected to the vehicle body and with another, free end portion 31 with the body-side end 22 of the panhard rod 20 coupled. The attachment to the vehicle body takes place here in the area of a vehicle wheel.

Accordingly, the cross strut 25 to the vehicle transverse direction a very small angle of attack of 0 ° to a maximum of about 5 °.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Panhardstab 20 on an underside of the free end portion 31 the crossbar 25 hinged so that the body-side end 22 of the panhard rod 20 between the longitudinal strut 24 and the cross brace 25 is included. A journal of the joint 28 is accordingly both on the longitudinal strut 24 as well as on the crossbar 25 supported.

However, it is also possible, the longitudinal strut 24 and the crossbar 25 to connect directly with each other and the Panhardstab 20 to connect to one of these struts.

The one by the longitudinal strut 24 and the crossbar 25 formed body-side pivot point of Panhardstabs 20 is relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction and relative to the vehicle vertical direction respectively between the opposite wheel carriers 17 ,

As in the 1 and 2 shown, can the crossbar 25 beheaded beheaded from above, so that the Panhardstab 20 relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction can be passed behind this.

Furthermore, the running under the vehicle floor cross strut 25 between their end sections 30 and 31 an offset relative to the vehicle vertical direction down middle section 32 on.

The above-explained rear axle 1 has a space requirement corresponding to a four-link rear axle. As a result, the described rear axle can be installed on a vehicle as an alternative to such a four-link rear axle without the need for major modifications to the vehicle body which would have to be made for conventional twist-beam axles and the like. Compared to a four-link rear axle results in a significantly reduced manufacturing and assembly costs, whereby the rear axle according to the invention 1 a significant cost reduction.

The The invention has been described above with reference to an embodiment explained in more detail. But she is not on that Embodiment limited, but includes all embodiments defined by the claims.

1

rear axle

2

axle body

3

console

4

camp

5

coil spring

6

vibration

7

Trailing arm

8th

crossbeam

9

front side cheek

10

rear side cheek

11

connecting web

12

front lower edge

13

rear lower edge

14

midsection of the crossbeam

15

end of the crossbeam

16

spring plate

17

wheel carrier

18

journal

19

bearing seat

20

Panhardstab

21

axle-side End of the Panhard rod

22

body-side End of the Panhard rod

23

console

24

longitudinal strut

25

crossmember

26

front End section of the longitudinal strut

27

rear End section of the longitudinal strut

28

joint

29

Rifle

30

build mutual End portion of the crossbar

31

free End portion of the crossbar

32

midsection the crossbar

A

swivel axis of the axle-side bearing of the Panhard rod

B

swivel axis of the body-side bearing of the Panhard rod

F

Forward direction

M

wheel center

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0458665 B1 [0002, 0012]

Claims (16)

Rear axle for a motor vehicle, comprising: two trailing arms ( 7 ), which are each pivotally hinged to a vehicle body, a cross member ( 8th ), the trailing arm ( 7 ) in the vehicle transverse direction and to the trailing arm ( 7 ) is respectively rigidly coupled, and a substantially in the vehicle transverse direction extending Panhardstab ( 20 ), with one end ( 21 ) on a trailing arm ( 7 ) or the cross member ( 8th ) and with another end ( 22 ) is articulated on a body-side articulation point, characterized by a longitudinal strut extending substantially in the vehicle longitudinal direction (US Pat. 24 ), which are provided with a front end section ( 26 ) is rigidly connected to the vehicle body and at a free rear end portion ( 27 ) the body-side articulation point for the Panhardstab ( 20 ) trains. Rear axle according to claim 1, characterized in that the Panhardstab ( 20 ) at an upper side of the free rear end portion ( 27 ) the longitudinal strut ( 24 ) is articulated. Rear axle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a transverse strut ( 25 ), which extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction, having a first end section ( 30 ) is connected to the vehicle body and with another, free end portion ( 31 ) with the body-side end ( 22 ) of the Panhard rod ( 20 ) and / or the free end portion ( 27 ) the longitudinal strut ( 24 ) is coupled. Rear axle according to claim 3, characterized in that the Panhardstab ( 20 ) on a lower side of the free end section ( 31 ) of the transverse strut ( 25 ) is articulated. Rear axle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the Panhardstab ( 20 ) via a joint ( 28 ) is hinged to the building side with a stationary bearing axis (B). Rear axle according to claim 5, characterized in that the longitudinal strut ( 24 ) and the transverse strut ( 25 ) a bearing journal of the body-side Panhardstabgelenks ( 28 ). Rear axle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the body-side articulation point of the Panhardstabs ( 20 ) relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction between opposing, on the trailing arms ( 7 ) and / or the cross member ( 8th ) fastened wheel carriers ( 17 ) is arranged. Rear axle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the body-side articulation point of the Panhardstabs ( 20 ) relative to the vehicle vertical direction between each other, on the trailing arms ( 7 ) and / or the cross member ( 8th ) fastened wheel carriers ( 17 ) is arranged. Rear axle according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the transverse strut ( 25 ) between their end sections ( 30 . 31 ) a relative to the vehicle vertical direction offset down middle section ( 32 ) having. Rear axle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cross member ( 8th ) between the trailing arms ( 7 ) a middle section ( 14 ) having a relation to the vehicle vertical direction lowered down upper edge. Rear axle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cross member ( 8th ) a U-profile with two side cheeks ( 9 . 10 ) and a connecting bridge ( 11 ), wherein the side cheeks ( 9 . 10 ) in the middle section ( 14 ) have a reduced height. Rear axle according to claim 11, characterized in that the lower edges ( 12 . 13 ) of the side cheeks ( 9 . 10 ) of the cross member ( 8th ) lie in a horizontal plane when the axle is in an upper end stop position. Rear axle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in each case a wheel carrier ( 17 ) on a trailing arm ( 7 ) and in each case between a wheel carrier ( 17 ) and a trailing arm ( 7 ) a bearing receiver ( 19 ) for a vibration damper ( 6 ) is formed. Rear axle according to claim 13, characterized in that a journal ( 18 ) on the wheel carrier ( 17 ) is attached. Rear axle according to claim 14, characterized in that the axle journal ( 18 ) is fixed by friction welding. Method for producing a rear axle according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that first an axle body ( 2 ) from the trailing arms ( 7 ), the cross member ( 8th ) and the wheel carrier ( 17 ) and then the journals ( 18 ) on the axle body thus formed ( 2 ) and on the wheel carriers ( 17 ) are attached.